Transmitter for quick connector

ABSTRACT

A quick connector coupling for making a severable connection with a male member and a female tube in a fluid line includes a connector body having a through bore for receiving the male member having a tubular shape sized to extend into the through bore of the connector body and having an upset, a retainer releasably securing the male member within the connector body, and a verifier including an antenna having a contact point and moving between a latched position and an unlatched position inside the connector body. The connector body includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip having a signal, which is enabled to read through the antenna when the contact point of the antenna contacts the RFID chip of the connector body in the latched position of the verifier.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a quick connector coupling for makinga releasable connection in a fluid line assembly.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Quick connectors are well-known devices in the automotive and otherfields. The quick connector couplings generally include a pipe or tubereceived and sealingly retained in a connector body of the quickconnector. The quick connector couplings are used to provide a fluidconnection between two components or conduits, thus establishing a fluidline between the two components.

Use of quick connector for securing a male member and a female connectorbody is advantageous in that a sealed and secured fluid line may beestablished with a minimum amount of time and expense. Such quickconnector couplings are very useful, for example, in the fluid linesystems of internal combustion engine in a vehicle. Furthermore, thereliable and secure quick connector couplings can be used in a brakeline system, the fuel line system, and other conduit systems.

To effectively assemble the sealed and secured fluid line, a number ofmethods and mechanisms for the quick connector are continuouslydeveloped and used in various fluid line systems.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a quick connector for securing a malemember in a female connector.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a quick connectorcoupling for making a severable connection with a male member and afemale tube in a fluid line includes a connector body having a throughbore for receiving the male member having a tubular shape sized toextend into the through bore of the connector body and having an upset,a retainer releasably securing the male member within the connectorbody, and a verifier including an antenna having a contact point. Theverifier is coupled to the connector body and moves between a latchedposition and an unlatched position inside the connector body. Theconnector body further includes a radio frequency identification (RFID)chip. A signal of the RFID chip is enabled to read through the antennawhen the contact point of the antenna contacts the RFID chip of theconnector body in the latched position of the verifier.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the RFID chipis attached to a housing section of the connector body. In particular,the RFID chip is attached to a recess formed on a rearward rim of theconnector body.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the antenna isattached to a surface around the verifier for enabling the signal fromthe RFID chip to read in the latched position of the verifier. Thecontact point of the antenna is positioned at a faced location of theRFID chip when the verifier is moved in the latched position. Theantenna having the contact point is attached to an interior surface ofthe verifier.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag is formed by an integration of theRFID chip and the antenna. The RFID tag is either an active RFID tag ora passive RFID tag.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the quickconnector coupling includes a connector body having a through bore forreceiving the male member having a tubular shape sized to extend intothe through bore of the connector body and having an upset, a retainerreleasably securing the male member within the connector body, and averifier including a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. Theconnector body further includes an antenna having a contact point. Theverifier is coupled to the connector body and moves between a latchedposition and an unlatched position inside the connector body. Inaddition, a signal of the RFID chip is enabled to read through theantenna when the contact point of the antenna contacts the RFID chip ofthe verifier in the latched position of the verifier.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the antenna isformed around the connector body and the contact point of the antenna islocated at a recess formed on a rearward rim of the connector body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a quick connectorcoupling for making a severable connection with a male member and afemale tube in a fluid line includes a connector body having a throughbore for receiving the male member having a tubular shape sized toextend into the through bore of the connector body and having an upset,a retainer releasably securing the male member within the connectorbody, and a verifier including a conductor. The connector body includesa radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and an antenna coupled tothe RFID chip. In addition, the verifier is coupled to the connectorbody and moves between a latched position and an unlatched positioninside the connector body. The antenna is electrically connected by theconductor attached to the verifier when the verifier is moved in thelatched position so that the signal of the RFID chip is enabled to readthrough the antenna.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the antenna isattached around an outer surface of the connector body and the RFID chipcoupled to the antenna is attached to the outer surface of the connectorbody. In addition, the antenna includes a first wire and a second wireattached to the connector body and the antenna is electrically connectedto the RFID chip when the first wire and the second wire contacts theconductor attached to a rear face surface of a retainer beam in theverifier. The conductor is formed of a conductive material.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a quick connectorcoupling for making a severable connection with a male member and afemale tube in a fluid line includes a connector body having a throughbore for receiving the male member having a tubular shape sized toextend into the through bore of the connector body and having an upset,a retainer releasably securing the male member within the connectorbody, and a verifier including an antenna having a contact point and aradio frequency identification (RFID) chip. The verifier is coupled tothe connector body and moves between a latched position and an unlatchedposition inside the connector body. A signal of the RFID chip is enabledto read through the antenna when the RFID chip contacts the contactpoint of the antenna when the verifier is moved in the latched position.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a channel isformed inside a retainer beam of the verifier and sized to receive acolumn member moving inside the channel. The RFID chip is attached tothe column member of the verifier and the RFID chip contacts the contactpoint of the antenna by a movement of the column member when theverifier is moved in the latched position.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the columnmember includes a first end transversely angled along the longitudinalaxis and a second end having a bottom surface curved along an outershape of the male member. The RFID chip is attached to a top surface ofthe angled first end for contacting the contact point of the antennaattached to the radially inward facing surface of the verifier when theverifier is moved in the latched position.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, when theverifier is moved in the latched position, the second end of the columnmember contacts the male member so that the column member relativelymoves up inside the channel of the verifier. When the verifier is in theunlatched position, a resilient device coupled to the first end of thecolumn member is configured to push out the column member so that theRFID chip is separated from the antenna.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the quickconnector coupling includes a blocking material between the RFID chipand the contact point of the antenna, and the blocking material is movedaway when the male member is inserted into the connector body or theverifier is moved to the latched position.

Further details and benefits will become apparent from the followingdetailed description of the appended drawings. The drawings are providedherewith purely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limitthe scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now bedescribed various forms thereof, given by way of example, referencebeing made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a quick connector coupling inaccordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a side sectional view of the quick connector coupling ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a female connector body of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the female connector body of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a side sectional view of the female connector body of FIG.3;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a quick connector in accordance withanother exemplary form of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a retainer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a verifier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of a top portion of the quick connectorcoupling in an unlatched position of the verifier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the quick connector including theretainer and the verifier in an unlatched position of the verifier ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 11 shows a different perspective view of the quick connectorincluding the retainer and the verifier in the unlatched position of theverifier of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows a side sectional view of the quick connector including theretainer and the verifier in the unlatched position of the verifier ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a quick connector in accordance withanother form of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 shows a detailed view of a top portion of the quick connectorcoupling in an unlatched position of a verifier of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a quick connector in accordance withanother form of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16(a) shows a detailed view of the quick connector coupling in anunlatched position of a verifier of FIG. 15 and FIG. 16(b) shows adetailed view of the quick connector coupling in a latched position ofthe verifier of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective section-view of the quick connector inaccordance with another form of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18(a) shows a section view of the quick connector coupling in anunlatched position of a verifier of FIG. 17 and FIG. 18(b) shows asection view of the quick connector coupling in a latched position ofthe verifier of FIG. 17; and

FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b) show a brief diagram illustrating a blockingmaterial incorporated in the quick connector coupling of the presentdisclosure.

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no wayintended to limit the present disclosure or its application or uses. Itshould be understood that throughout the drawings, correspondingreference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

A quick connector coupling of the present disclosure is illustrated inconnection with a fluid line assembly. It is shown as a releasableconnection between a rigid tube and other fluid carrying components,particularly a flexible hose. However, the quick connector couplingshave numerous other applications where a fluid tight, but releasableconnection is desired, such as connection of rigid elements of a fluidpath, whether pressurized or unpressurized in an automotive vehicle.

Referring to more detail in the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a quickconnector coupling 10 for forming a severable connection in a fluidline. The quick connector coupling 10 is comprised of a connector body12 and a male member 14. In FIG. 2, the quick connector coupling 10 isreleasably secured together by a retainer 100 (e.g., a primary latch)and a verifier 200 (e.g., a secondary latch). The male member 14 isformed at an end of a hollow tube which forms a part of a fluid linesystem. The connector body 12 and the male member 14 are connectable toform a severable joint in the fluid line.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the male member 14 is formed at the end of arigid tube. The male member 14 includes a radially enlarged upset 16formed a given distance from an open tube end or tip 18. The tube end ortip 18 can be rounded or tapered to make insertion of the male member 14into the connector body 12. A smooth generally cylindrical sealingsurface 20 defined by the exterior surface of the tube extends betweenthe upset 16 and the tube end or tip 18. The tube continues in adirection away from the tube end beyond the upset 16 and defines agenerally smooth cylindrical surface 22. The smooth cylindrical surface22 has generally same diameter as the cylindrical sealing surface 20.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate the female connector body 12 in detail. As shown inFIG. 3, the connector body 12 is defined by a generally cylindrical,stepped radially inner surface of wall 24, and includes a main body 26for receiving the male member 14 and a cylindrical stem 28 extendingfrom the main body 26 as a single unit. The cylindrical stem 28including a hose connection end 34 is angled by 90 degrees, which is atransverse direction from a longitudinal axis X of the main body 26. Inaccordance with other forms of the present disclosure, however, thecylindrical stem 28 including the hose connection end 34 may extend fromthe main body 26 with a straight shape (180 degrees, see FIG. 6) alongthe longitudinal axis X. Accordingly, it must be understood that theexterior of the connector body 12 may take any desired shape withoutdeparting from the present disclosure.

The connector body 12 including the main body 26 and the cylindricalstem 28, as a single unit, is generally formed of a plastic material(e.g., polyamide). As shown in FIG. 5, the inner surface of the wall 24defines a through bore 30 centered about the longitudinal axis X. Thethrough bore 30 of the connector body 12 extends completely through theconnector body 12 from a male member reception end 32 to the tube endreceptacle 40 along the longitudinal axis X, and further transverselyextends to the hose connection end 34. It should be noted that the termrearward is used herein to mean in a direction from the male memberreception end 32 toward the tube end receptacle 40 generally along thelongitudinal axis X, and the term forward is a reversed direction fromthe direction of the rearward along the longitudinal axis X.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the connector body 12 includes a housing section36, a seal chamber 38, a tube end receptacle 40, and the stem 28. Thehousing section 36 is adjacent to the male member reception end 32. Thehousing section 36 is defined by a forward rim 42 having a transverseplanar forward facing surface 44 that defines an opening 46 to thethrough bore 30 at the male member reception end 32, and a rearward rim48 spaced from the forward rim 42 separated by a gap or space 50 openedto the through bore 30. Both forward and rearward rims 42 and 48 areconnected by a top support member 52 and a bottom support member 56. Inaddition, center body posts 54 extend from a forward facing surface ofthe rearward rim 48. The lower curved surface of the bottom supportmember 56 is recessed radially inward from the radially outward mostedge of the rearward rim 48 so that the bottom support member 56 and theforward and rearward rims 42 and 48 defines a pocket 58 that receives across member 104 of a retainer 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the top support member 52 is connectedbetween the forward and rearward rims 42 and 48. A top portion of therearward rim 48 includes a recess 60 that receives an inwardly facingsurface 204 of a verifier 200. The recess 60 of the rearward rim 48 isdisposed in the top support member 52. The connector body 12 includes aradio frequency identification (RFID) chip 84 which is included in apart of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 86 with an antenna230. The chip 84 is located in the top portion of the connector body 12,and the chip 84 is generally attached to the connector body 12. Forexample, the chip 84 is printed or embedded in the rearward rim 48 ofthe housing section 36. However, the chip 84 may be attached to otherlocations of the connector body 12 according to the operation of thequick connector coupling 10. In accordance with an exemplary form of thepresent disclosure, as shown in FIG. 3, the chip 84 is attached to therecess 60 of the rearward rim 48 by molding with the connector body 12or printing on the recess 60 of the housing section 36. In addition, thechip 84 may be attached to other components such as the verifier 200 orthe retainer 100 described later in accordance with other forms of thepresent disclosure.

In general, the RFID tag 86 includes an active RFID tag or a passiveRFID tag. For example, in FIG. 9, the RFID tag 86 including the chip 84and the antenna 230 is a passive RFID tag in accordance with anexemplary form of the present disclosure. The passive RFID tag 86generally requires no power supply. This type of the passive RFID tag isable to react to change in distance, strain, pressure, and otherenvironmental factors. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when theverifier 200 is moved in the latched position, the passive RFID tag 86is able to react by contacting the chip 84 to the antenna 230. Inaccordance with other forms of the present disclosure, however, the RFIDtag 86 may be an active RFID tag. The active RFID tag includes a powersupply and actively sends a signal without reacting to otherenvironmental factors. Accordingly, the active RFID tag may send asignal by itself.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, the quickconnector coupling incorporates a blocking material 88 between the RFIDchip 84 and the contact point 228 of the antenna 230 to shield anysignal from the RFID chip 84 when the male member is not inserted in oneapproach as shown in FIG. 19(a). The blocking material 88 is moved outof the way as the male member is inserted to expose the RFID chip (or aninductive chip) 84 or the contact point 228 of the antenna 230 is movedin the latched position so that the RFID chip 84 is able to communicatewith the antenna 230 when the verifier is in the latched position. Inanother approach, as shown in FIG. 19(b), a blocking material 88 shieldsthe RFID tag 86 including the RFID chip 84 and the antenna 230 forpreventing a wrong signal from the RFID chip through the antenna frombeing read in the server before the verifier is moved to the latchedposition. Accordingly, the blocking material 88 covering the RFID chip(or being located between the RFID chip and the contact point of theantenna) or the RFID tag (including RFID chip and the antenna) preventsa wrong signal when the male member is not inserted into the connectorbody or the verifier is not fully engaged with the connector body suchthat the verifier is in the unlatched position.

The seal chamber 38 is formed axially rearward of the housing section36. It is defined by a reduced diameter portion of the wall 24, relativeto the housing section 36. The seal chamber 38 is provided to housesealing elements to form a fluid seal between the connector body 12 andthe male member 14. As shown in FIG. 2, two O-ring seals 62 and 64separated by a rigid spacer ring 66 are radially situated between theseal chamber 38 and the male member 14. The O-ring seals 62 and 64 aresized to fit tightly within the seal chamber 38 and tightly around thesealing surface 20 of the male member 14. The O-ring seals 62 and 64 aresecured in the seal chamber 38 by a hollow spacer sleeve 68. The hollowspacer sleeve 68 includes a raised annular portion 70 on the outerperiphery of the sleeve 68 for providing enhanced securement of thespacer sleeve 68 within the through bore 30.

The tube end receptacle 40 is formed axially rearward of the sealchamber 38. It is defined by a reduced diameter portion of the wall 24,relative to the seal chamber 38, which extends axially rearward. Thetube end receptacle 40 is sized to receive and pilot or guide thesealing surface 20 of the male member 14. Furthermore, the stem 28includes a fluid passageway 72 defined by the smallest diameter portionof the wall 24. It leads transversely from the small diameter of thetube end receptacle 40 to the hose connection end 34. The stem 28 isconfigured to facilitate connection to another component in the fluidline. For example, the connector body 12 is formed for connection to aflexible hose (not shown). As previously described, any other suitableconnection arrangement may be used to complete a fluid line system.

FIG. 7 illustrates the retainer 100 in the quick connector coupling 10.It is preferably formed of a resilient, flexible material such asplastic. The retainer 100, which extends transversely through bottomslots 74 of the housing section 36, is demountably coupled to theconnector body 12. The retainer 100 includes a pair of elongated,generally parallel legs 102 extending from, and joined at one end by, across member 104. Released protrusions 106 are formed on the radiallyinner surface of the cross member 104 and extend axially from therearward face of the legs 102. The cross member 104 provides aseparation between the legs 102 approximately equal to the outerdiameter of the cylindrical sealing surface 20 of the male member 14.The legs 102 have an axial length approximately equal to, but slightlyless than the axial length of the bottom slots 74 in the housing section36. The lateral width of legs 102 is significantly less than the lateralwidth of the bottom slots 74 in order to allow outward expansion of thelegs 102 to permit the male member insertion and release as will beunderstood. In addition, the cross member 104 has an axial lengthsubstantially greater than that of the legs 102.

Each leg 102 includes a latch 108 formed at an end remote from the crossmember 104. When the retainer 100 is fully inserted into the connectorbody 12, the latches 108 lock the retainer 100 into a position relativeto the connector body 12. The latches 108 engage locking shoulders 76,defined by the top support member 52 of the connector body 12, toreleasably lock the retainer 100 in place. As shown in FIG. 7, each leg102 further includes an angled surface 110 with lead areas 112. The leadareas 112 are formed into the forward faces 114 of the legs 102. Thelead areas 112 slope radially inward and axially rearward from theforward face 114 of each leg 102, and terminate approximately midwaybetween the forward face 114 and the rearward face 116 of each leg 102.

The spacing between the lead edges of the lead areas 112 is at itsgreatest adjacent the forward face 114. The spacing is approximatelyequal to the outer diameter or outer surface of the upset 16 formed onthe male member 14. At the inner edges 118 of the lead areas 112 isapproximately equal to the outer diameter of the sealing surface 20 ofthe male member 14. Portions of the lead areas 112 closer to the latches108 curve inwardly to match the annular profile of the male member upset16. This shape assists in guidance and centering of the male member 14through the connector body 12.

FIG. 8 illustrates the verifier 200 including elements positioned withina top slot 78 and side slots 80. The verifier 200 is demountably coupledto the connector body 12. The verifier 200 is also preferably molded ofa resilient and flexible material such as a plastic. The verifier 200 isslidable transversely of the connector body 12 relative to the topsupport member 52 toward and away from the curved bottom support member56 and consequently the retainer 100 between a radially latched positionand a radially unlatched position.

The verifier 200 includes a connecting member 202 with a radially inwardfacing surface 204 from which extend a retainer beam 206 and a pair oflaterally spaced curved generally resilient fingers 208 extendingdownward from the connecting member 202 and in the same direction as theretainer beam 206. When assembled to the connector body 12, inwardlyfacing surface 204 generally overlies the top slot 78 of the connectorbody 12 with the retainer beam 206 slidably disposed in the top slot 78.Each finger 208 resides in one of the side slots 80.

Each finger 208 includes a knuckle 210 having a laterally inwarddirected hook 212. The hooks 212 of the finger 208 engage locking ridges82 defined by the top support members 52 to releasably secure theverifier 200 to the connector body 12 when the verifier 200 is in itsunlatched position. The retainer beam 206 of the verifier 200 includes alaterally enlarged portion 214 and a narrowed portion 216. The lateralwidth of the enlarged portion 214 is slightly less than the lateralwidth of the enlarged portion of the top slot 78 formed on the topsupport member 52, and the lateral width of the narrowed portion 216 isslightly less than the lateral width of the narrowed portion of the topslot 78 so that the verifier 200 moves between the latched position andthe unlatched position.

As shown in FIG. 8, each finger 208 of the verifier 200 further includesan extension beam 218 extending from the end of the knuckle 210 andterminating at a verifying tab 220 formed at its free or distal end. Therearward faces 222 of the extension beams 218 and the verifying tabs 220are planar with the rear surfaces of the knuckles 210. However, theforward faces 224 of the extension beams 218 and the verifying tabs 220are spaced axially rearward from the forward face of the knuckles 210such that the axial thickness of the extension beam 218 and theverifying tab 220 is less than the axial thickness of the knuckle 210.The difference between the thickness of the extension beams 218 and theverifying tabs 220 and the thickness of the knuckle 210 is such that itis at least as large as the thickness or axial length of the upset 16 ofthe male member 14.

Each verifying tab 220 includes a lead-in ramp surface 226 formed intothe forward face 224 of the verifying tab 220. The lead-in ramp surface226 slopes radially inward and axially rearward from the forward face224 of each verifying tab 220. The shape and the spacing of the lead-inramp surfaces 226 match the annular profile of the upset 16 of the malemember 14 allowing the upset 16 to contact the lead-in ramp surface 226upon insertion of the male member 14 into the connector body 12 when theverifier 200 is in its unlatched position. Accordingly, the spacingbetween opposing verifying tabs 220 is greater than spacing necessaryfor the cylindrical sealing surface 20 to be inserted into the connectorbody 12 without contacting the verifying tab 220 when the verifier 200is in the unlatched position. In the assembled configuration, theverifying tab 220 is shaped and sized to engage the center body posts 54of the connector body 12 such that the verifier 200 is moved in thelatched position from the unlatched position.

Referring to FIG. 9, the verifier 200 further includes the antenna 230having a contact point 228 for contacting the chip 84 on the connectorbody 12. The antenna 230 is generally attached to the verifier 200. Asshown in FIG. 9, for example, the antenna 230 is embedded into theradially inward facing surface 204 of the verifier 200. In particular,the contact point 228 on the antenna 230 is positioned at a locationthat is faced and contacted to the chip 84 of the connector body 12 whenthe verifier 200 is moved in the latched position. As shown in FIG. 9,for example, the contact point 228 is located in the middle area of theradially inward facing surface 204 of the verifier 200, which is facedto the chip 84 attached to the recess 60 of the connector body 12. Inaddition, the antenna 230 is attached (or embedded) around the inwardfacing surface 204 and includes the contact point 228 for activating asignal transferred from the chip 84.

In particular, the location of the contact point 228 and the antenna 230may be changed according to the location of the chip 84 of the connectorbody and/or the structure of the connector body 12. Furthermore, theantenna 230 having the contact point 228 may be attached to the othercomponents such as the connector body 12 or the retainer 100 describedlater in accordance with other forms of the present disclosure.

In accordance with other forms of the present disclosure, an inductivechip may be used for wirelessly communicating with the antenna 230without contacting (or touching) each other. For example, when theinductive chip attached to the connector body or the verifier is broughtclose to the antenna 230 (but not necessarily touching or contacting),the signal from the RFID tag 86 is enabled to read in the server becausethe read range of the inductive chip serves to identify a closed(contacted or touched) condition. Accordingly, the inductive chip in theRFID tag 86 wirelessly communicates with the antenna 230 that enablesthe signal from the RFID tag 86 to read in the server when the verifier200 is moved in the latched position.

FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate the connector body 12 with the installedthe retainer 100 and the verifier 200 in the unlatched position of theverifier 200. The legs 102 of the retainer 100 is inserted into thebottom slots 74 in the housing section 36, and the cross member 104 isplaced in the pocket 58 of the housing section 36. When the legs 102 areinserted into the housing section 36, the legs 102 spring inward withthe latches 108 engaged with the locking shoulders 76 of the top supportmember 52 to secure the retainer 100 to the connector body 12. When theretainer 100 is secured in the connector body 12, furthermore, the leadareas 112 of the legs 102 face to the male member reception end 32.

The coupling is completed by positioning the verifier 200 into thelatched position from the unlatched position. In the unlatched position,the verifier 200 is restrained from axially and radially moving relativeto the connector body 12. The abutting relationships of the forward andrearward faces of the knuckles 210 with both forward and rearward rims42 and 48 restrain the verifier 200 from the axial movement inside thehousing section 36. The engagements of the hooks 212 of the fingers 208with the locking ridges 82 of the top support member 52 restrain theverifier 200 from radially inward or transversely upward movement. Inaddition, the abutting relationships of the verifying tabs 220 with thecenter body posts 54 restrain the verifier 200 from radially outward ortransversely downward movement. Accordingly, in this condition, theverifier 200 cannot be moved from the unlatched position.

With the retainer 100 and the verifier 200 properly attached to theconnector body 12 in the unlatched position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,the male member 14 is then inserted into the connector body 12. Thecylindrical sealing surface 20 of the male member 14 passes between thelegs 102 and into the seal chamber 38. When the upset 16 of the malemember 14 contacts the legs 102, the lead areas 112 of the legs 102permit passage of the upset 16 between the legs 102 upon applyingsufficient axial inward force. As the upset 16 passes between the legs102, it rides along the lead areas 112 and flexes the legs 102 radiallyoutward. Once the upset 16 has passed the legs 102, the legs 102 springsback into place behind the upset 16 to a locked position. The rearwardface 116 of the legs 102 abut the upset 16 to prevent subsequentinadvertent withdrawal of the male member from the connector body 12. Inaddition, the male member 14 is withdrawn from the connector body 12 byinwardly pushing on the cross member 104 of the installed retainer 100.

With the legs 102 of the retainer 100 in the locked position, the upset16 flexes the fingers 208 of the verifier 200 laterally outward in sideslots 80. Since the verifying tabs 220 are located transversely abovethe axis X of the through bore 30, and likewise above the axis X of themale member 14, the upper hemisphere of the upset 16 contacts thelead-in ramp surfaces 226 of the fingers 208 when the male member 14 isinserted rearward into the connector body 12. Contacting the upperhemisphere of the upset 16 with the fingers 208 not only applies arearward directed force on the fingers 208, but it also apply a upwardlydirected force on the fingers 208 pushing the verifier 200 transverselyupward, or radially outward away from the axis X of the male member 14,allowing the verifying tabs 220 to clear the center body post 54 so thatthe fingers 208 are able to spread radially or laterally outward,without interference.

As described above, the fingers 208 of the verifier 200 are able tospread laterally outward only after the upset 16 of the male member 14has completely passed the legs 102 of the retainer 100 (that is, themale member 14 is fully inserted into the connector body 12 and the legs102 of the retainer 100 is in the locked position). The quick connectorcoupling 10 is completed by positioning the verifier 200 to the latchedposition with a transversely downward or radially inward force on theconnecting member 202 (toward the connector body 12) when the malemember 14 is fully inserted into the connector body 12. In the latchedposition, the rear surface of the retainer beam 206 is in axial abuttingrelationship with the upset 16 of the male member 14. This axialabutting relationship between the retainer beam 206 and the upset 16provides the verifier 200 with the verifier feature to retain the malemember 14 in the connector body 12 when the retainer 100 is failed tolock the male member 14. Also, the radially inner surface of theretainer beam 206 abuts the outer surface of the male member 14. Thisability of the verifier 200 to move radially inward to the latchedposition provides visual verification to the user that the male member14 has been properly inserted into the connector body 12.

In addition to providing the visual verification as described above, theverifier 200 of the present disclosure is also able to send a signal toa receiver for providing verification that the male member 14 has beenproperly inserted into the connector body 12. Since the recess 60 on thetop portion of the connector body 12 is shaped to match the inwardfacing surface 204 of the verifier 200, upon moving the verifier 200 inthe latched position, the contact point 228 of the antenna 230 in theverifier 200 abuts the chip 84 of the connector body 12. This abutmentof the verifier 200 and the connector body 12 enables the signal fromthe RFID tag 86 by connecting the chip 84 to the contact point 228 ofthe antenna 230. A receiver (not shown) is positioned near where theverifier 200 is inserted into the connector body 12. The receiverreceives the enabled signal from the RFID tag 86, and sends anothersignal to a control unit (not shown) for providing notification that thequick connector coupling 10 has been properly connected. Furthermore,the RFID tag 86 includes a built-in impedance matching feature. Byutilizing the built-in impedance matching feature with the chip 84, thesignal from the RFID tag 86 is maximized and effectively enabled to readthe signal in the server.

In the unlatched position of the verifier 200, since the contact point228 of the antenna 230 does not contact (or touch) the chip 84 of theconnector body 12 as described above, the signal from the RFID tag 86 isnot enabled. Accordingly, the receiver does not receive the signal fromthe RFID tag 86 and the control unit will not receive another signal toacknowledge that the coupling 10 was properly connected.

A second embodiment of a quick connector coupling 300 in accordance withanother form of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and14. The quick connector coupling 300 of the second embodiment isessentially the same as the quick connector coupling 10 described abovewith exception of the location of the chip 84 and the antenna 230 havingthe contact point 228. In the second embodiment, for example, the chip84 is attached to the verifier 200, and the antenna 230 having thecontact point 228 is attached (or embedded) to the connector body 12.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the chip 84 is attached to the radiallyinward facing surface 204 of the verifier 200 by molding or printingprocess as described above. The antenna 230 having the contact point 228is attached to the connector body 12. In particular, the contact point228 of the antenna 230 is located in the recess 60 of the rearward rim48 so that the contact point 228 of the antenna 230 abuts the chip 84when the verifier 200 moves in its latched position. In addition, theantenna 230 having the contact point 228 is attached (or embedded)around an outer edge of the rearward rim 48 of the connector body 12.Accordingly, when the chip 84 of the verifier 200 contacts (or touches)the contact point 228 of the antenna 230 attached to the connector body12 in the latched position of the verifier 200, the signal in the RFIDtag 86 is enabled so that the receiver receives the signal from the RFIDtag 86 and sends another signal to the control unit for providingnotification that the quick connector coupling 300 has been properlyconnected.

A third embodiment of a quick connector coupling 400 in accordance withanother form of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16(a)and 16(b). The quick connector coupling 400 of the third embodiment isessentially the same as the quick connector coupling 300 described abovewith exception of the arrangements of the RFID tag 86 including the chip84 and the antenna 230. As shown in FIG. 15, the chip 84 and the antenna230 are attached to the outer surface of the seal chamber 38 in theconnector body 12. The antenna 230 is disposed around the outer surfaceof the seal chamber 38, and the chip 84 is directly attached to theantenna 230 and disposed on the top surface of the seal chamber 38. Inaddition, the antenna 230 includes a first wire 402 and a second wire404 attached to the chip 84, and the first and second wires 402 and 404are attached to the connector body 12. However, in the third embodimentof the present disclosure, the antenna 230 is not enabled to send thesignal from the RFID tag 86 because the antenna 230 is electricallydisconnected while the verifier 200 is in the unlatched position eventhough the chip 84 is attached to the antenna 230. Accordingly, thesignal from the RFID tag 86 is not enabled to read by the server whichis remotely located so that the control unit recognizes that theverifier 200 is in the unlatched position.

As shown in FIG. 16(a), a conductor 406 is attached to the verifier 200.For example, the conductor 406 is formed as a conductive material suchas a copper strip for electrically connecting the first wire 402 and thesecond wire 404 in the antenna 230. The conductor 406 is attached to theupper area on the rear face surface 408 of the retainer beam 206 forelectrically connecting both wires 402 and 404. When the verifier 200 ismoved in the latched position after the male member 14 is inserted intothe connector body 12 and locked by the retainer 100, the antenna 230and the chip 84 are electrically connected and the antenna 230 isenabled to send the signal because both wires 402 and 404 areelectrically connected by the conductor 406. In accordance with otherforms of the present disclosure, the conductor 406 in the verifier 200may be located in other areas according to the location of the first andsecond wires 402 and 404 attached to the connector body 12.

As shown in FIG. 16(b), when the verifier 200 is moved in the latchedposition, the antenna 230 is able to send the signal from the RFID tag86 to the server remotely located. Accordingly, the receiver (not shown)receives the signal from the RFID tag 86 and sends another signal to acontrol unit (not shown) for providing notification that the verifier200 is in the latched position and the quick connector coupling 400 hasbeen properly connected.

A fourth embodiment of a quick connector coupling 500 in accordance withanother form of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 17,18(a), and 18(b). The quick connector coupling 500 of the fourthembodiment is essentially the same as the quick connector coupling 10described above with exception of the arrangement of the chip 84 in theRFID tag 86. As shown in FIG. 17, the chip 84 is also arranged in theverifier 502. The verifier 502 further includes a column member 504 witha resilient device 506 such as a spring. The retainer beam 206 of theverifier 502 has a channel 508 along the length of the retainer beam 206for placing the column member 504 with the resilient device 506. Thecolumn member 504 moves inside the channel 508 of the retainer beam 206when the verifier 502 is moved to the latched position.

In FIG. 17, the column member 504 includes a first end 510 and a secondend 512. The first end 510 is transversely angled and rearwardly extendsalong the longitudinal axis X. The chip 84 is attached to a top surface514 of the extended first end 510 and the resilient device 506 is placedand installed between an internal surface inside the channel 508 and thetop surface 514 of the first end 510 for returning the column member 504to the original position of the column member 504 when the verifier 502is in the unlatched position. The second end 512 of the column member504 includes a bottom surface 516 curved along the outer surface shapeof the male member 14 for abutting on the smooth cylindrical surface 22when the verifier 200 is moved in the latched position.

FIG. 18(a) shows the unlatched position of the verifier 502 and FIG.18(b) shows the latched position of the verifier 502. The antenna 230 isattached along the radially inward facing surface 204 as described above(see FIG. 9). As shown in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b), accordingly, theattached chip 84 on the top surface 514 contacts the contact point 228of the antenna 230 when the verifier 502 is moved in the latchedposition from the unlatched position. After the inserted male member 14is locked by the retainer 100, when the verifier 502 is moved in thelatched position from the unlatched position, the column member 504 ispushed and moved up due to the smooth cylindrical surface 22 of the malemember 14 so that the attached chip 84 on the top surface 514 of thecolumn member 504 abuts (or touches) the contact point 228 of theantenna 230. Due to the contact between the chip 84 and the antenna 230in the latched position of the verifier 502, the signal from the RFIDtag 86 is enabled to read in the server.

As described above, the RFID tag 86 system including the RFID chip 84and the antenna 230 for wirelessly communicating a verification signalis applied to any kinds of the connector coupling systems such as EasyLoc connector having combined retainer and verifier as one element. Forexample, the RFID chip 84 and the antenna 230 are attached to parts ofthe connector coupling systems and the RFID tag 86 system sends averification signal from the RFID chip 84 to the server through theantenna 230 when the coupling of the connector body and the tube issecured and verified.

The foregoing description of various forms of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. Numerous modifications or variations are possible in light ofthe above teachings. The forms discussed were chosen and described toprovide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and itspractical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the artto utilize the invention in various forms and with various modificationsas are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modificationsand variations are within the scope of the invention as determined bythe appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth towhich they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A quick connector coupling for making a severableconnection with a male member and a female tube in a fluid line, thequick connector coupling comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for receiving the male member having a tubular shape sized toextend into the through bore of the connector body and having an upset,the connector body including a radio frequency identification (RFID)chip; a retainer releasably securing the male member within theconnector body; and a verifier including an antenna having a contactpoint, the verifier coupled to the connector body and moving between alatched position and an unlatched position inside the connector body,wherein a signal of the RFID chip is enabled to read through the antennawhen the contact point of the antenna contacts the RFID chip of theconnector body in the latched position of the verifier.
 2. The quickconnector coupling of claim 1, wherein the RFID chip is attached to ahousing section of the connector body.
 3. The quick connector couplingof claim 1, wherein the RFID chip is attached to a recess formed on arearward rim of the connector body.
 4. The quick connector coupling ofclaim 1, wherein the antenna is attached to a surface around theverifier for enabling the signal from the RFID chip to read in thelatched position of the verifier.
 5. The quick connector coupling ofclaim 1, wherein the contact point of the antenna is positioned at afaced location of the RFID chip when the verifier is moved in thelatched position.
 6. The quick connector coupling of claim 1, whereinthe antenna having the contact point is attached to a radially inwardfacing surface of the verifier.
 7. The quick connector coupling of claim1, wherein a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is formed by anintegration of the RFID chip and the antenna.
 8. The quick connectorcoupling of claim 7, wherein the RFID tag is an active RFID tag or apassive RFID tag.
 9. A quick connector coupling for making a severableconnection with a male member and a female tube in a fluid line, thequick connector coupling comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for receiving the male member having a tubular shape sized toextend into the through bore of the connector body and having an upset,the connector body including an antenna having a contact point; aretainer releasably securing the male member within the connector body;and a verifier including a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip,the verifier coupled to the connector body and moving between a latchedposition and an unlatched position inside the connector body, wherein asignal of the RFID chip is enabled to read through the antenna when thecontact point of the antenna contacts the RFID chip of the verifier inthe latched position of the verifier.
 10. The quick connector couplingof claim 9, wherein the antenna is formed around the connector body andthe contact point of the antenna is located at a recess formed on arearward rim of the connector body.
 11. A quick connector coupling formaking a severable connection with a male member and a female tube in afluid line, the quick connector coupling comprising: a connector bodyhaving a through bore for receiving the male member having a tubularshape sized to extend into the through bore of the connector body andhaving an upset, the connector body including a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) chip and an antenna coupled to the RFID chip; aretainer releasably securing the male member within the connector body;and a verifier including a conductor, the verifier coupled to theconnector body and moving between a latched position and an unlatchedposition inside the connector body, wherein the antenna is electricallyconnected to the RFID chip by the conductor attached to the verifierwhen the verifier is moved in the latched position so that a signal ofthe RFID chip is enabled to read through the antenna.
 12. The quickconnector coupling of claim 11, wherein the antenna is attached aroundan outer surface of the connector body and the RFID chip coupled to theantenna is attached to the outer surface of the connector body.
 13. Thequick connector coupling of claim 11, wherein the antenna includes afirst wire and a second wire attached to the connector body and theantenna is electrically connected to the RFID chip when the first wireand the second wire contacts the conductor attached to a rear facesurface of a retainer beam in the verifier.
 14. A quick connectorcoupling for making a severable connection with a male member and afemale tube in a fluid line, the quick connector coupling comprising: aconnector body having a through bore for receiving the male memberhaving a tubular shape sized to extend into the through bore of theconnector body and having an upset; a retainer releasably securing themale member within the connector body; and a verifier including anantenna having a contact point and a radio frequency identification(RFID) chip, the verifier coupled to the connector body and movingbetween a latched position and an unlatched position inside theconnector body, wherein a signal of the RFID chip is enabled to readthrough the antenna when the RFID chip contacts the contact point of theantenna when the verifier is moved in the latched position.
 15. Thequick connector coupling of claim 14, wherein a channel is formed insidea retainer beam of the verifier and sized to receive a column membermoving inside the channel.
 16. The quick connector coupling of claim 15,wherein the RFID chip is attached to the column member of the verifierand the RFID chip contacts the contact point of the antenna by amovement of the column member when the verifier is moved in the latchedposition.
 17. The quick connector coupling of claim 15, wherein thecolumn member includes a first end transversely angled along alongitudinal axis and a second end having a bottom surface curved alongan outer shape of the male member.
 18. The quick connector coupling ofclaim 17, wherein the RFID chip is attached to a top surface of theangled first end for contacting the contact point of the antennaattached to a radially inward facing surface of the verifier when theverifier is moved in the latched position.
 19. The quick connectorcoupling of claim 17, wherein when the verifier is moved in the latchedposition, the second end of the column member contacts the male memberso that the column member relatively moves up inside a channel of theverifier.
 20. The quick connector coupling of claim 17, wherein when theverifier is in the unlatched position, a resilient device coupled to thefirst end of the column member is configured to push out the columnmember so that the RFID chip is separated from the antenna.
 21. Thequick connector coupling of claim 1, wherein the quick connectorcoupling includes a blocking material between the RFID chip and thecontact point of the antenna, and the blocking material is moved awaywhen the male member is inserted into the connector body.
 22. The quickconnector coupling of claim 1, wherein the quick connector couplingincludes a blocking material between the RFID chip and the contact pointof the antenna, and the blocking material is moved away when theverifier is moved to the latched position.